I want to begin by saying that I was born and raised in Lewiston, and until now, have loved being able to call it home.

On Jan. 3, the 133rd. Engineer Battalion had an official send off at the National Guard Armory. The public was invited to show their support. The next day, the city of Norway threw a little party for their soldiers. Belfast threw their soldiers a lobster bake. I know these are smaller towns and have less soldiers being deployed, but I have to question, where was Lewiston in all this?

Lewiston is one of the towns with the greatest number deployed and certainly the greatest number of families having to make the sacrifice of not having their loved ones around for possibly 18 months.

Except for Peggy Rotundo, who was to have made an appearance, and former Mayor Jenkins, who was invited personally, not politically, there was nothing.

I know that when these men come home, there will be a homecoming and probably more. A lot of these men don’t want anything to do with it. This is how they feel. If Lewiston can’t show support and be there when they leave, they are not interested in being supported when they return. This is how we’ve treated them as a city. Lewiston-Auburn did nothing special for these men that are leaving to defend us.

I praise Norway and Belfast for their obvious effort in showing support for their troops. So much for “It’s Happening Here.”

Lisa Bussiere, Lewiston